With social media brimful of beautiful work created by Aveda Artists, we decided to celebrate this artistry and passion with the #AvedaArtist Instagram Challenge.

The Challenge, which kicked off last fall, invites Aveda Artists to upload original images showcasing their artistry to Instagram and use unique hashtags coinciding with a monthly theme. Monthly winners are flown to Aveda Headquarters for the #AvedaArtist Instagram Challenge Photo Shoot where they receive mentorship from Aveda Global Artistic Team members, as they create beautiful looks for the professional shoot.

Coming Together



This January saw the first #AvedaArtist Instagram Challenge Photo Shoot and we could not be more inspired by this amazing group of individuals who spent two days creating stunning hair cuts, colors, styles and makeup looks. Mentoring for the group were Janell Geason, Aveda Global Artistic Director, Makeup; and Ian Michael Black, Aveda Global Artistic Director, Hair Color.

“This photo shoot has been really fun to bring artists together to create fabulous images for social media,” Ian said. “Getting to know these artists better, seeing their talents, and being here to help them bring their visions to life has been very rewarding.”

Here, we share highlights of the event featuring the first four #AvedaArtist winners and a few of their completed looks from the photo shoot.

David Anders — @cutyourhair


Escape Salon • Boston, Massachusetts

“I love cutting hair because it allows you to create a shape around someone’s face and really build a look,” says David. For the shoot he created numerous looks that were 1990s inspired with a lot of texture and a grungy vibe.

David notes that he approaches each hair cut as if it were a mathematical equation. “With every little piece of hair I take away, I’m adding something to the total look. I love working with angles, shapes and geometry.”

As for this experience, David noted “I’ve never worked with this many people on a photo shoot before —it has all be very inspiring and brought me to another level.”

Sarah Sibley — @hairbysquare


Pyure Salon • Coconut Creek, Florida

“My favorite thing to do is corrective color work. I love seeing what is exposed underneath a color and what the hair is trying to tell me, and then bringing the hair color to a new beautiful state,” says Sarah.

Along with creating beautiful color, Sarah is also an avid Instagrammer. Sarah says she does it both to keep her followers interested and to attract new clients, but also to learn from her past work.

Sarah Naslund — @mybighairday

Escape Salon • Boston, Massachusetts

“I love updos because I can give my guests a fun, dramatic change that is temporary. They can have a look that is a totally different era or style,” Sarah says.

Sarah was thrilled to receive advice from Janell and Ian as to how to best showcase her looks for the camera. She then completed various looks to show off her updo talents, and hair color and textures as well.

“I love the salon industry because it gives me a creative outlet through hair cutting, coloring and styling,” Amanda says. “There’s so many endless opportunities to create, and you’re surrounded by a strong network of other creative talent which is always inspiring.”

While she may not be able to connect with all artists and educators in a salon setting, Amanda does that through social media, which is why she was drawn to the #AvedaArtist Instagram Challenge. “This experience has been really great to learn from the Global Artistic Team. I’ve learned so many tips and tricks when it comes to photography and lighting.”

“Also, the most notable learning for me is realizing how important it is to follow your gut. You may start with a plan in mind and then things might change giving you a new perspective; Follow that instinct because it will result in something beautiful and amazing.”

Next Up

Currently the March #AvedaArtist Instagram Challenge is underway with the theme of Men’s Hair Styling. If you are an Aveda Artist and want to enter to win, show us your cool men’s cuts, colors or styles and tag @aveda, #Aveda, #AvedaMen, #AvedaArtistContest and #AvedaArtist for a chance to win.

The Next Aveda Artist photo shoot celebrating the winter winners, will take place this spring. This event will be highlighted through the Artists pages as well as on Aveda’s own Instagram channel @Aveda.

Congratulations to all the amazing winners of the #AvedaArtist Instagram Challenge!

ARE YOU LOVING THESE LOOKS?

Share them using the hashtags #LivingAveda and #AvedaArtist